Situated in Leominster, Herefordshire, is a 17th century stone quadrangular fortress, built close to the site of the old medieval castle. At each corner of the high curtain wall is a small round tower, with a small square tower flanking the north side. The Croft family have lived here since before the Norman invasion. It is thought that the Norman family de Croft came over during the time of Edward the Confessor, and by the time of Domesday, a Bernard de Croft held the land. Although now run by the National Trust, members of the Croft family still live in the castle and on the estate, thus continuing the ancient family association. Croft was re-opened to the public in April 2003 after a year long facelift.Continue reading Croft Castle (Best pics)→

Penrith, Cumbria, (pronounced ‘ broom ‘), was started in Henry II’s reign on the site of a Roman fort, and renovated in 17th century by Lady Anne Clifford , who died there in 1676; later the castle was partly demolished and any usable materials were sold in 1714, but again partly restored in 1930’s

Derbyshire; in early 17th century Charles Cavendish had a country house built on the site of a Norman castle, and he wanted the house look like a castle, even though it was never meant to be used for any military purposes. The house was occupied during the Civil War in 1645 by the Parlamentary army who wanted to demolish the whole building and did much damage. After the war the Cavendish family wanted to repair the house, but due to the lack of funds the house was eventually abandoned and being plundered for building materials and furniture. After the WW2 the site was handed over to the Ministry of Works, and heavy engineering works were started to save the house, which was extensively restored by the 1990s.

Situated in a superb garden, the Cotroceni Palace presents the architectural design of a distinct unity. Built around a monastery constructed by Şerban Cantacuzino at the end of the 17th century, the whole construction reflects 3 centuries of Romanian history.